Drug raid nets three for state police

June 28, 2003

The New Mexico State Police Narcotics Bureau raided a suspected drug house on Wednesday on the 1100 block of West 10th Street, arresting two men on drug charges and a woman on outstanding municipal warrants.
Vernon Dickson of Lubbock and George “Blue” Foster of Clovis are in custody on charges of possession of crack cocaine with intent to traffic and tampering with evidence. Dickson also faces charges of conspiracy to traffic crack cocaine.
A Clovis woman was also taken into custody on outstanding municipal arrest warrants. Three other suspects were questioned and released.
According to the state police, narcotics agents came to the residence to serve an outstanding felony arrest warrant; upon arrival, several suspects attempted to flee and police determined that those inside were in possession of a substantial amount of crack cocaine.
The Clovis Police Department and Curry County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the investigation.
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A convicted sex offender and drug user will go before Judge Robert Brack on Monday morning for sentencing. According to 9th Judicial District Attorney Brett Carter, Richard Swopes, 41, of St. Vrain, faces up to 41 years in prison when he is sentenced at 11 a.m. Monday.
Swopes pleaded guilty April 1 to three counts of criminal sexual penetration of a minor under 13, a first-degree felony; and possession of methamphetamine, a fourth-degree felony.
Because the crimes are classified as serious violent offenses, Swopes must serve at least 85 percent of his final sentence.
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Curry County Sheriff Roger Hatcher announced Wednesday that his department has received more than $2,800 for reimbursement toward the purchase of body armor for 11 deputies.
“This grant is very important for the safety and well-being of peace officers all across this nation,” Hatcher said. “It makes it possible for agencies with restricted budgets to provide life-saving equipment for officers.”
Funding came from a federal program known as the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program, which provides a matching grant to local law enforcement agencies. Statewide, the grant provided $256,000 for 863 New Mexico officers.